As Nigeria marked its 64th Independence Day on October 1, 2024, thousands of frustrated citizens took to the streets of Lagos, Abuja, and several other cities, voicing their anger over skyrocketing living costs and economic hardship. For many, it was not a day of celebration but of defiance, as they called on President Bola Tinubu to reverse policies they believe have exacerbated inflation and worsened their daily struggles.
The protests, tagged #FearlessInOctober, quickly gained momentum on social media, just two months after the #EndBadGovernance movement rocked the nation. The grievances behind both demonstrations remain similar: the reversal of petrol subsidy removal, a reduction in electricity tariffs, and an end to economic policies they claim are anti-people.
In Abuja on Independence Day, the Federal Capital Territory, protesters assembled in the Utako district, waving the Nigerian Green-White-Green flag and holding up banners with bold messages like “EndBadGovernance,” “Diaspora Voting Now,” and “EndHighLivingCosts.” The protests coincided with a national public holiday, bringing the city’s already bustling streets to a standstill.
Meanwhile, in Lagos, the country’s economic hub, a similar scene unfolded. Protesters, mostly young people, flooded the iconic Ikeja UnderBridge area, chanting slogans and brandishing banners with statements like “Hunger Dey” and “Reverse Neoliberal Policies.” Activist Omoyele Sowore, a known figure in Nigerian protests, joined the Lagos rally and led demonstrators towards Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota, a historical site for civil rights protests.
Despite prior warnings from government officials and security agencies, the protests went ahead as planned, with demonstrators also gathering in several other Nigerian states. Scores of security agents were deployed to key protest locations in Lagos, Abuja, and other cities, keeping a close watch but largely maintaining a distance from the crowd.
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At the heart of the protests are President Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of the fuel subsidy and the unification of foreign exchange rates. Critics argue that these policies have been responsible for driving up inflation and pushing millions of Nigerians into deeper poverty.
Since Tinubu’s administration took office in May 2023, fuel prices have soared from N200 per liter to over N1,000, while electricity tariffs have quadrupled, burdening households and businesses alike. Many Nigerians are struggling to make ends meet, with some industries scaling back production due to skyrocketing energy costs.
In his second Independence Day speech on the same day, President Tinubu acknowledged the hardships caused by his economic policies but pleaded for patience, promising that relief was on the way. He reassured Nigerians that his administration was working tirelessly to stabilize the economy and bring down the cost of living.
“I understand the suffering many Nigerians are going through, but these reforms are necessary for long-term stability and prosperity,” Tinubu said during his broadcast.
Despite these reassurances, the #FearlessInOctober protests show no signs of slowing down, with many Nigerians calling for immediate action to ease their suffering. As the economic crisis deepens, all eyes are on the government to see whether it will heed the calls for change or continue with its controversial policies.
With the protests gaining traction both online and on the streets, Nigeria’s government faces mounting pressure to address the growing discontent. As the #FearlessInOctober movement gathers steam, it signals a rising tide of activism among Nigerian youths determined to challenge policies they see as oppressive.
